Thomas Richard Savay's Obituary
Obituary for Thomas Richard Savay
Thomas Richard Savay was born August 20, 1934, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Thomas Christopher Savay and Billie Jewel (Hale) Savay and died on February 9, 2024, at age 89. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister Ann Savay Struthers. Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Eleanor Kay (O’Neil) Savay, daughter Leah Ann and her husband Stefan Scott, and grandsons Jayden Thomas Solis and Kendall James Scott and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
As for remembrances, our daughter Leah said it best: Friday February 9, 2024, was our last with my dad in the body that I knew. He is still with us in spirit and his spirit is strong. I am thankful for all 89 years he was on the earth and for every day I was blessed to be with him. I am thankful we had the chance to be with him and that he went very gently, was happy and at peace. He has helped me raise both of my sons and was able to watch them grow.
For those who didn’t know as much about him, he had accomplished more than I could ever hope to in one lifetime. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Laredo in 1952, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree in 1956, and the University of North Texas in Denton with a master’s degree. He served as a Captain in the United States Army. He was a pilot, tennis coach, math teacher and then principal at Lake Highlands junior high, Dobie primary and RISD Academy in Richardson ISD.
He was a videographer, water ski instructor and lifeguard. He loved motorcycles – Honda Gold Wings specifically. He bred white German Shepherds, his favorite food was pound cake/coconut cream pie/stew, his favorite color was blue, and he was fluent in Spanish. He played the guitar and sang in night clubs.
His health history was always complicated. He had just been commissioned into the Army when he went blind. The doctors suspected a brain tumor but when they injected dye into his veins, he had a seizure, so they had to stop. His priest came to perform his last rites but when they were praying, he woke and said “Father George! What are you doing here?” The Vatican did an extensive investigation of this as a miracle, so he is documented with the Vatican.
His duty with the Army was postponed so it allowed him to teach one year in San Antonio before reporting for duty. He loved the Army. At one point in his military career, he was the second-best rifle shot in the United States Army in competition. He received numerous awards from educational and civic organizations. There was a Tom Savay Day in Richardson for the work he did helping students who immigrated form other countries and their families.
He was called Tommy when he was growing up, Daddy by me and then Papa by my children. He taught me to drive a boat, shoot a gun, ride a horse, pull a trailer. He taught me about God and compassion and love. Thank all of you for your prayers and support. It meant the world to him to have so many people reach out and visit.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?